Synthesis of a supported nickel boride catalyst under microwave irradiation

Supported nickel boride (Ni–B) catalysts were prepared by a silver-catalyzed electroless plating method under microwave irradiation. Two solvents of plating solution, water and ethylene glycol, were used to study the effect of microwave irradiation on plating. The Ni–B catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Their catalytic performances were evaluated by hydrogenation of acetophenone. The results showed that the particle size and load of Ni–B increased much more under microwave irradiation, when the water was used as solvent. The supported Ni–B catalyst prepared from ethylene glycol bath exhibited higher catalytic activity and selectivity in the hydrogenation, due to its higher boron content in Ni–B particles.